Projo Sports Blog

BOSTON -- The NBA caught some criticism for putting Roger Mason Jr. in the 3-point contest during the All-Star Weekend festivities, but Mason showed the country just how good he was at hitting clutch 3-pointers this afternoon in front of a sellout crowd a the TD Banknorth Garden.

With the San Antonio Spurs trailing the Boston Celtics, 93-92, Mason buried a 3-pointer from the top of the circle with 20.4 seconds left, putting the Spurs on top, 95-93.

The Celtics did not recover from the big shot and lost, 105-99.

San Antonio All-Star Manu Ginobili (19 points) stole a Ray Allen (18 points) pass on the Celtics ensuing possession, and Paul Pierce (19 points, 8 rebounds) fouled him to prevent a breakaway layup.

A clear path to the basket foul was called, giving Ginobili two free throws, and then the Spurs the ball afterwards.

Ginobili sank both free throws, and the Celtics fouled Ginobili on the ensuing in-bounds pass with 19.0 seconds left. Ginobili knocked down those free throws as well, giving the Spurs a 99-93 lead. The Celtics called a timeout and drew up a play for Pierce to shoot a three, but his 3-pointer missed its mark, and the Celtics fouled Mason who iced the game with two free throws with 14.9 seconds left.

Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Matt Bonner and Tim Duncan each had 23 points for San Antonio.

 Tags  Boston Celtics Rob Lee Robert Lee San Antonio Spurs

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